David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

Gate-Breaking Power

There is incredible power in the confession of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. It is a power that is desperately needed today. It is a power that is neglected all too often. It is a power that Jesus says will overcome the stronghold of hell.

Castle Church Steeple - Wittenburg, Germany
This steeple on the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany was added centuries after the church was built. It's form is that of a Prussian helmet, symbolizing power and strength. The first line of Martin Luther's hymn, "A Mighty Fortress" is visible around the bottom of the addition.

Matthew 16:13-20

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17And Jesus answered him,  “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

The urgent need for the advancement of the Gospel is sometimes almost overwhelming to me. I see so many in our culture and society who are oblivious to Christ at best, and at worst mocking him and his call. I can understand why the psalmist said, “All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 14:3) Indeed so few people seem to care about honoring God and living for Christ.

That is precisely why the confession of Jesus is so important and powerful. When Christ’s people confess him boldly the gates of hell retreat. If I hear, “Jesus is Lord,” more often than I hear Jesus’ name taken in vain, I am emboldened in my witness and confession. If Christ’s people would say more often, “I believe in Jesus,” we would all be encouraged.

To confess means, literally, to speak with the truth – to say out loud what really is. Jesus is Lord. Perhaps it starts with me (we preach best what we need most!). Maybe I need to say that I believe in Jesus. Maybe the gates of hell are close by me, not just everywhere else. I’d like to see that today, wouldn’t you?

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